Towering Food: Greek Eggplant Stacks

The eggplant is a vegetable famous for its glossy, deep purple beauty. With its pleasantly spongy texture and mild flavor, it complements any ingredient. Looking at the tear-dropped gem, we got creative and brainstormed whether to take an Italian route incorporating mozzarella and basil, an Indian route with curry and raisins, or a Thai route with spicy basil and coconut milk. Ultimately, we opted for a Greek-inspired stack. The salty, briny feta paired perfectly with the mellow eggplant. To add some pop in taste and color, we layered sautéed spinach and tomato sauce.s

When we prepare food, we almost always have the same vision. This time around, we had slightly different approaches, so decided to each make our own layered stack. While the eggplant towers both follow the same recipe, they differ slightly in presentation.

In a bowl, mix the eggplant circles with 1 T EVOO, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper.

Spread the circles on an oiled baking sheet and cook for 5 minutes on each side.

While the eggplant is cooking, heat the remaining EVOO in a skillet on medium-high heat. Sautee the minced garlic and red pepper flakes for one minute. Add the spinach and cook for 3-5 more minutes until wilted.